Posted on Thursday, June 15th, 2017
If you’re looking for a job, chances are that you’re looking through job boards online, sending out dozens of copies of your resume. You’ve probably filled out a lot of surveys and questionnaires, and you’ve perfected your cover letter. And while all these things are integral parts of the job search, they’re missing a key component: networking.
Networking means interacting with groups of people to build professional contacts and form relationships. It can be intimidating, but it’s absolutely necessary: around 85 per cent of jobs are filled through networking, not job boards.
What does this mean for you? It means that networking is a skill with which you should get comfortable, and the best way to get comfortable with it is to practice. And to practice, you’ll need to start finding some networking events to attend right here in Ottawa. Below are three great sources for doing just that.
Before you head out, be sure to read our post on how to shine at your next networking event!
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Posted on Tuesday, June 13th, 2017
You probably already know that hiring a co-op student comes with a bunch of benefits that can have a positive influence on your organization (not least of which is a $3,000 tax credit from the Ontario government).
But did you know that bringing on an Algonquin College co-op student can be a complete game changer, especially for small to midsize businesses?
Below, we look at three key ways that Algonquin co-op students bring huge advantages to their co-op employers.
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Posted on Thursday, June 8th, 2017
When you are first starting out in your career, no matter what industry you’re in, you will be laying the foundation for a professional reputation that will follow you throughout your work life. On this blog, we’ve talked before about how to manage that reputation, through consciously building a brand for yourself (read our guide here).
Part of your brand will encompass how you behave at work. Your professional comportment says a lot about how you wish to be perceived, and goes a long way to helping people view you as a responsible and mature co-worker.
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Posted on Tuesday, June 6th, 2017
When you shift from the student lifestyle—irregular hours, shift work, and maybe some weeknight partying—into a 9 to 5 lifestyle, you may have a bit of a rocky transition period. It’s a lifestyle change with vastly different norms, and you may find yourself exhausted, or having trouble concentrating for a full work day. This is normal, and you’ll acclimatize quickly.
But working 9 to 5 can also be a challenge in terms of taking care of yourself. If you’re in an office, sitting for eight hours straight and being in easy reach of fast food can have an impact on your physical health. You may also find work-related stress coming home with you and affecting your mental health, too.
Below, we look at ways to smooth the transition to a 9 to 5 lifestyle, and how to keep healthy while working.
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Posted on Thursday, June 1st, 2017
If you’re looking for a placement for September, you’re already into the job hunting season. You’re putting together your resume, writing some awesome cover letters, and preparing your interview skills.
But did you know that there’s another huge resource available to you, right here at Algonquin College?
Algonquin co-op students get to attend in-person workshops on campus, to help you through the whole job hunt process. And best of all? They’re included in your co-op fees!
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